The Story of How India Became a Tea-Drinking Nation
Early Beginnings: The British Influence
Tea was introduced to India by the British in the early 19th century. It became popular among the British but wasn't commonly consumed by Indians until later.
The British East India Company’s Strategy
The British sought to end China’s monopoly on tea. They began cultivating tea in Assam around 1823, aiming to produce and export large quantities from India.
Tea Cultivation in Assam
British colonialists discovered wild tea plants in Assam and began cultivating them. By the 1850s, Assam’s tea industry was flourishing, making India a major tea producer.
The Rise of the Tea Industry
Tea plantations expanded rapidly, employing Indian workers. Tea quickly became a significant part of India’s economy, with production and export growing to meet global demand.
Tea Promotion as a National Beverage
British tea companies started marketing tea to Indians as an affordable, healthy beverage. Advertising campaigns in the late 19th century made tea a popular drink among the masses.
The Role of Tea Companies
Tata Tea, among others, played a key role in promoting tea consumption across India. Their campaigns highlighted tea’s affordability, making it accessible for everyday consumption.
Tea as a Symbol of Indian Culture
Over time, tea, especially "chai," became a staple in Indian homes and social gatherings, symbolizing hospitality and daily ritual across all regions of the country.
Chaiwala and Street Culture
Chaiwalas, or tea vendors, became iconic figures in India’s streets, offering inexpensive, flavorful cups of chai, making it even more accessible and popular in daily life.